Nude swimmer helps burglar and other news from areas around Chattanooga

Nude swimmer helps burglar and other news from areas around Chattanooga

July 11th, 2013by Staff Reports and Associated Press in Local Regional News

Nude swimmer helps burglar

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. - A woman who received permission to skinny dip in a Crossville, Tenn., man's backyard pool sufficiently amused him while her male companion burglarized the premises, police reported.

The 54-year-old victim said the couple, who live nearby, approached his home about 3 p.m. Saturday.

He said the woman told her companion to return home for her cigarettes and then asked the homeowner if she could swim in his pool.

He escorted her through the home to the pool, where she asked him if he would mind if she swam in the nude, police said.

He didn't mind, she stripped down and proceeded to swim for 20 minutes. The homeowner sat poolside all the while, handing the woman a towel to dry off with when she finished. She then dressed and left.

Police said the homeowner got an even bigger surprise when he went back inside, discovering missing jewelry, medications and a handgun -- all worth an estimated $1,195.

Police were seeking the couple for questioning.

Little River roads closed for repair

The Little River Canyon National Preserve in Northeast Alabama has received money to repair some of its backcountry roads, Superintendent Gail Bishop announced.

Several roads are closed temporarily for regrading and to repair potholes and ruts, a news release states.

Those roads are Road 1 north of the Slant Rock Camp site, Road 2 from the intersection of Cherokee County Road 103 to the intersection with Road 1, and Road 4 from Billy's Ford Camp Site to the intersection of Road 2. The last closure includes vehicles crossing Billy's Ford.

Visitors who wish to swim, fish or just enjoy the river may park near Billy's Ford Camp Site and walk in, Bishop said in the release. The river crossing at Hartline Ford on Road 3 will remain open.

Visitors are asked not to block roadways to allow for emergency vehicles.

The expected Park Service completion date for the work is on or before Aug. 8.

Residents want to keep chickens

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - A group of Huntsville residents is preparing to petition the city to allow its members to keep chickens.

WAAY-TV reports that current city law allows residents to keep chickens, but only if they're 150 feet away from another residence. That ordinance, which was drafted in the 1970s, keeps most residents from being able to have chickens in their yards.

A group called the Huntsville Hen Alliance wants to change the rules and says its petition is getting more support every day.

Kelsey Rodgers with C.T. Garvin Feed and Seed says many people want to raise their own chickens so they can have control over what the chickens eat and what's going into their eggs.